 If
you plan to train your new puppy to accompany you on hunting trips, it's
a good idea to start the training process while he or she is very young.
The process of training a hunting dog takes time, patience, and hard
work on your part and on the part of your canine companion.
When you first begin preparing your dog for hunting expeditions, you
should start out with basic obedience training commands. In order to
prepare your dog for the rigors of hunting, you have to first make sure
that he or she will recognize and respond to common commands without
hesitation.
It's a good idea to incorporate whistle sounds into early hunting dog
training, along with training treats and praise to reinforce desired
behaviors. The whistle serves the important purpose of helping your pet
get used to loud noises. What you're doing is preparing your dog to work
along with the sound of a firing rifle without being frightened. Once
your dog masters basic commands and gets comfortable with the whistle
sound, you can begin exposing him or her to the sound of your gun during
training practice.
When you lay a strong obedience training foundation while your dog is a
puppy, his or her hunting instincts will become apparent and easily
honed as her or she reaches adulthood. Assuming that your dog is one of
the hunting breeds, by the time he or she is a year old, it will be time
to begin more advanced training that specifically relates to hunting.
Before introducing your dog to an actual hunting situation, it's
important to complete extensive off and on leash training in terrain
similar to that where your hunting adventures will take place. When your
canine companion exhibits mastery of the commands you are likely to use
during hunts, it will be time to try an inaugural hunt.
When you introduce your dog to hunting, keep in mind that the experience
is new to him or her. No matter how well your dog performed in training
situations, accompanying you on a real hunt is a different experience
entirely. The sights, sounds, and smells that your dog experiences on a
hunt may be overwhelming to your dog at first.
You must continue to exhibit patience with your dog, and you must
monitor his or her reactions and behaviors very closely. With time, your
hard work will pay off. You and your trusty hunting dog will be able to
enjoy hours of enjoyment in the great outdoors as a result of your
patience and commitment to proper hunting dog training.
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USA Dog Trainers Directory
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